8 Ways to Avoid Probate (Quick & Legal Series) [Paperback]

Mary Randolph (Author)

Book Description

Series: Quick & Legal Series | Publication Date: September 1999

This book provides a clear explanation of eight important--and often overlooked--probate avoidance techniques: setting up pay-on-death bank accounts; naming a beneficiary for retirement accounts; registering vehicles in transfer-on-death forms; holding property in joint ownership; taking advantage of simplified probate laws; creating a living trust; and giving away property before death. Includes 50 state charts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Consumer friendly..." -- San Diego Union-Tribune

"Randolph takes the position that the probate process is an unnecessary expenditure of time and money." -- Library Journal

"Recommended." -- Modern Maturity --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Save your family money, time and hassle --quickly and easily --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: Nolo; 2nd Bk&Dk edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873373537
• ISBN-13: 978-0873373531
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,427,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Randolph earned her law degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of The Executor's Guide: Settling Your Loved One's Estate or Trust, 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, Every Dog's Legal Guide: A Must-Have Book for Your Owner, and Deeds for California Real Estate. She is also a coauthor of the legal manual for Quicken WillMaker Plus. She has been a guest on The Today Show and has been interviewed by many publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you live in Texas read this, January 27, 2006

By 

William R Shuman (Dallas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 8 Ways to Avoid Probate (Paperback)

I have perused several books on this topic and found this one to be much more informative about how Texas laws are very unique in regards to avoiding probate. In fact, most other books don't even mention this. It seems that for every one of these avoidance techmiques, the TX laws are very different in very specific ways and if you don't have everything done according to the letter of the TX law, you could end up with big problems. For example, only in the state of TX do you have to sign a separate written agreement with just the right language and other specifics in order for right of survivorship to actually work in avoiding probate. Not many people are aware of this and even most of the bankiing institutions are unaware. Even the big banking institutions will tell you that their methods are valid and correct when, in fact, they are not. Several cases have gone to the TX Supreme Court because of this. Don't let it happen to you. It is a huge problem. This book educates you on every issue and how it has to be handled differently in different states.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read, December 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, 2nd Ed. (Quick & Legal Series) (Paperback)

I just recently used this book as part of my study to gain continuing professional education credits for my CPA license. I found it to be an excellent source for anyone who is currently planning his or her family's financial future. It's easy to understand, direct, and written with common-sense language. I will be recommending this book to my clients.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 8 Ways to Avoid Probate by Mary Randolph, March 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 8 Ways to Avoid Probate, 2nd Ed. (Quick & Legal Series) (Paperback)

I rate this book very highly. It was very informative and easy to follow. Each section covered the topics to the fullest. This book is very easy to understand and I would recommend it to anyone looking for answers on how to avoid probate and how to go about making a living trust. There are many books on the market about this subject, but I feel this book covers it all.